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32
Rotation-Resistant Crane Ropes
25
How to evaluate block stability
due to rigging geometry.
Industry testing has been conducted to help you assess the block
stability of your rigging configuration and rope selection. The
bands on this graph approximate the block stability for three types
of wire ropes tested in multi-part systems:
6-strand, right regular lay, IWRC.
8-strand, rotation-resistant.
19-strand, rotation-resistant.
Four independent variables are used in pairs to locate a reference
point on the graph that indicates the stability of the lift being
made. The ratios used include:
L/S = Length of fall (ft.) Spacing of the rope (ft.).
L = Length of fall measured from the centerline of the point sheave
to the centerline of the traveling block sheave as shown in the
diagram.
S = Average diagonal spacing of the rope at the boom point and
the traveling block sheaves as shown in the diagram.
D/d = (D) Average pitch diameter of point and block sheaves (in.)
(d) nominal rope diameter (in.).
Block rotation: a very
entangling problem.
Use the shortest fall length possible. The length of fall, or
the distance from the pick point to the point sheaves, is critical.
Longer fall lengths are less stable and more likely to lead to block
rotation.
Avoid odd-part reeving. An even number of parts is more
stable.
Use taglines on lifts. Attach a tagline to restrain the load
block and keep the load from rotating.
Use a different rope construction. While there is no right
or wrong wire rope to use to prevent block rotation, a rotation-
resistant rope is your best choice due to its reduced torque
produced under load. However, there may be a reduction in
capacity with the same rigging configuration due to different
nominal strengths and the higher design factor required when
using rotation-resistant ropes.
Avoid using a swivel that allows the rope to rotate. A
swivel in an end termination will permit lay lengthening in the
rope when loaded. While the lay only lengthens between the
swivel and the first sheave, the unlaid rope travels over the
sheave as the load is lifted and introduces unlaying to the
section of the rope beyond the sheave. This unlaying becomes
trapped and will not come out of the rope when the load is
removed. The trapped unlaying causes twist in the rope, which
leads to block rotation, erratic spooling, unbalancing and
decreased rope service. Remove the swivel from the rope
termination and follow steps to remove twist from the rope to
optimize rope service.
Check sheave alignment and groove size. Improper
sheave alignment or groove size can milk the lay in a rope and
cause torque.